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Nuclear Reactor Physics Basics

Approx. 16 hours to complete

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Description

This engineering course is designed to introduce students to a range of concepts, ideas and models used in nuclear reactor physics. This course will focus on the physical theory of reactors and methods of experimental studies of the neutron field.

This course is based on the course “Neutron transport theory” which has been taught at the National Research Nuclear University “MEPhI” for the past 20 years. What you'll learn: • Define basic processes that may occur in the reactor core, laws, equations, and the limits of applicability of models describing the neutron field in the reactor; • Demonstrate practical experience of calculating the distribution of neutrons in media; • Demonstrate the ability to analyze the process of slowing down neutrons in various media (typical for nuclear fission reactors) from the standpoint of understanding the physics of the process; • Evaluate important reactor parameters including performance and safety.

Outline

Introductions to Nuclear Reactor Physics
Introductions to Nuclear Reactor Physics
The Properties of Free Neutrons and It’s Classification
Principal Nuclear Reaction – Neutron Sources
Main Properties of Nuclear Fission
Main Process of Neutron Interaction With Nuclei of Medium
Microscopic Cross-Sections
Mean Free Path
Neutron Flux, Net Current, One-Way Currents and Vector of Net Current
Neutron flux, net current, one-way currents and vector of net current. Example 1
Neutron Flux, Net Current, One-Way Currents and Vector of Net Current. Example 2
Introduction
The Properties of Free Neutrons and It’s Classification
Principal Nuclear Reaction – Neutron Sources
Main Properties of Nuclear Fission
Main Process of Neutron Interaction With Nuclei of Medium
Microscopic Cross-Sections
Mean Free Path
Neutron Flux, Net Current, One-Way Currents and Vector of Net Current
Neutron Flux, Net Current, One-Way Currents and Vector of Net Current. Example 1
Neutron Flux, Net Current, One-Way Currents and Vector of Net Current. Example 2
Training test
Quiz
Training test
Quiz
Training test
Quiz

Neutrons space behaviour by diffusion aproximation
Diffusion Theory
Fick’s Law
Diffusion Equation
Initial and Boundary Conditions to Find Solution
Task 1. Point Source in Infinite Spherical Geometry
Task 2. Plane Source in Infinite Planar Geometry
Task 3. Thread-Like Source in Infinite Cylindrical Geometry
Task 4. Distributed Source in Bare Slab
The Solution in Multiplying Medium
Diffusion Theory
Fick’s Law
Diffusion Equation
Initial and Boundary Conditions to Find Solution
Task 1
Task 2
Task 3
Task 4
The Solution in Multiplying Medium
Training test
Quiz
Training test
Quiz
Training test
Quiz

Main Principals of Slowing down of Neutrons
Main Principals of Slowing down of Neutrons
Kinematic of Slowing Down
Average Logarithmic Energy Loss
Main Principals of Slowing down of Neutrons
Kinematic of Slowing Down
Average Logarithmic Energy Loss
Training test
Quiz

Neutron Spectrum in Non-Absorbing and Absorbing Medium
Neutron Spectrum in Non-Absorbing Medium
Slowing Down with Absorption
Weak Absorption and Resonance Range
Resonance Escape Probability
Doppler Effect
Neutron Spectrum in Non-Absorbing Medium
Slowing Down with Absorption
Weak Absorption and Resonance Range
Resonance Escape Probability
Doppler Effect
Training test
Quiz
Training test
Quiz

Thermalization of Neutrons and MultiGroup Method
Thermalization of Neutrons
Multigroup Method
Multigroup Method. Examples
Thermalization of Neutrons
Multigroup Method
Multigroup Method. Examples
Training test
Quiz
Training test
Quiz

Summary of User Reviews

Learn the basics of nuclear reactor physics with this course on Coursera. Students have given high praise for the course's clear explanations and engaging lectures.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course is praised for its clear explanations and engaging lectures.

Pros from User Reviews

Clear explanations
Engaging lectures
In-depth coverage of the topic
Helpful quizzes and assignments
Great for beginners

Cons from User Reviews

Some technical issues with the online platform
Lack of interaction with the instructor
Not enough practical application
Limited scope of the course
Some concepts may be difficult for beginners to grasp

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